Jenna Bush Hager is the new permanent co-host with Hoda Kotb of the 4th hour of TODAY.
Hoda and Kathie Lee Gifford made the announcement Tuesday morning during the show.
She shared with Hoda and Kathie Lee what her father, former President George W. Bush, told her after learning the news.
“My dad just wrote me three words, which made me weep. He said, ‘Very proud dad,’” Jenna said, her voice cracking, before she joked, “Which I’m like, what is there to be proud about? I’m just drinking wine in the morning!”
Jenna is replacing Kathie Lee Gifford, who announced a couple months ago that she was leaving the show to focus on other projects.
So thrilled for my sweet friend, Jenna Bush Hager, Gifford wrote on Instagram. She will be a beautiful addition to this show that I have grown to love so much. Hoda Kotb is one blessed Hoda Mama.